Cleveland Browns vs Ravens: Do we predict a bounce back win?
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Martin McConnell
Summary: After a frustrating loss to the Oakland Raiders, the Browns will travel back home to FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns will be playing in the Dawg Pound for the first time in what seems like forever, and with a chance to win this one, fans will be as rowdy as ever. The “Old Browns,” or rather, the Baltimore Ravens will visit this Sunday afternoon, riding a 3-1 start and hoping to continue their five-game winning streak over the Browns. Let’s break this one down.
Offensively, the Browns will likely be a bit overmatched. The Ravens’ defense has seen something of a resurrection so far this season, and after a couple of down years, the AFC North’s resident birds seem to have brought the edge back to their patented defense. The coaching edge will certainly go to John Harbaugh and his staff this week, and with Baker Mayfield under center for just his second career start, the Browns will probably want to rely on their running game to keep the ball moving. More of Nick Chubb, anyone?
On defense, the key for the Browns will be Joe Flacco’s usual lack of mobility. The Ravens’ offensive line is nothing to sneeze at, but they aren’t world class either. The trio of Myles Garrett, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Larry Ogunjobi will play a big role in this game, as they look to get to Flacco quickly and often. Lamar Jackson is a wild card in this one, as always, and the Browns will need to watch out for his game-breaking speed and athleticism.
Ultimately, the Ravens are the more experienced team here, and it’s easy to believe that they’re better, too. But, Baker Mayfield has put the Browns in position the past two weeks to win their games. If the receivers can hold onto his passes, and the defense can make a couple plays, maybe this upstart Browns squad can get it done against the Ravens.
Final score: Cleveland 24, Baltimore 21